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Chinese Bitter Melon - Momordica charantia

Momordica charantia
Bitter melon, Bitter cucumber, Bitter gourd, Bitter squash, Balsam pear, Karella, La-kwa, Leprosy gourd

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1 reviews

In Reunion Island, it's the bitter melon. We cook it as a salad with chili.

rene, 19/01/2018

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

This ancient climbing plant is grown for its bitter fruit that is consumed cooked in traditional Reunionese and Asian kitchens. Its fruits measure 6 to 10cm (2 to 4in) in length. They display plicate skin, similar to large pickles. Sow the seeds from March to May. Harvest from July to October.
Ease of cultivation
Beginner
Height at maturity
3 m
Spread at maturity
45 cm
Soil moisture
Moist soil
Germination time (days)
20 days
Sowing method
Direct sowing, Sowing under cover with heat
Sowing period March to May
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Flowering time June to August
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M
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Harvest time July to October
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Description

Momordica charantia, the Chinese bitter gourd, is an ancient plant, native to South Asia. This climber is cultivated for its bitter fruit that is eaten cooked, without the skin or seeds, in traditional Reunionese and Asian cuisines. To reduce some of the bitterness, they are often blanched and then marinated. It has also been used for a long time in Asia as a traditional remedy for diabetes. Its fruits, 6 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, resemble large pickles. Their skin is highly plicate. Sow from March to May. Harvest from July to October.

 

Harvest: harvest when the fruit has reached its final size. Cut the peduncle a few cm from the fruit to ensure better preservation.

Storage: like courgettes and cucumbers, the fruits can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator.

Gardener's tip: it is not very hardy (sensitive to cold), but it is highly resistant to diseases and has few pests. It is a good companion for all your vegetable plants. However, do not plant any cucurbits nearby to avoid cross-pollination.

Harvest

Harvest time July to October
Type of vegetable Fruit vegetable
Vegetable colour green
Size of vegetable Medium
Interest Flavour, Nutritional value, Productive, Disease resistant
Flavour bitter
Use Cooking

Plant habit

Height at maturity 3 m
Spread at maturity 45 cm
Growth rate normal

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Momordica

Species

charantia

Family

Curcubitaceae

Other common names

Bitter melon, Bitter cucumber, Bitter gourd, Bitter squash, Balsam pear, Karella, La-kwa, Leprosy gourd

Origin

Southeast Asia

Annual / Perennial

Annual

Product reference40031

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Planting and care

Sowing

In March and April, sow 2 to 3 seeds per pot, covered with 1cm (0.4in) of soil. Sow under cover. Thin out the seedlings about one month after sowing. Position the young plants in open ground when they reach about 40cm (16in) in height, at a distance of 1m (3ft) in all directions. Choose a very sunny location. In colder regions, wait until May to avoid the risk of frost.

Install a support system at planting. The plants will need assistance at the beginning, but will be able to cling on their own with their tendrils.

Cultivation

They prefer rich soil. Add decomposed manure or compost at planting. They also require regular watering to keep the soil moist. Place a mulch at their base to retain soil moisture. Hoe and weed the soil to keep it aerated and limit root competition, which the plants do not appreciate.

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Seedlings

Sowing period March to May
Sowing method Direct sowing, Sowing under cover with heat
Germination time (days) 20 days

Care

Soil moisture Wet
Disease resistance Very good
Pruning No pruning necessary

Intended location

Type of use Vegetable garden
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Soil Light.
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), 130
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